Biochemical Rationale for the Use of Fatty Acid Analogs as Agents for Studying Myocardial Metabolism

摘要

Since fatty acids are the major energy source for myocardial contractile work, the rate of utilization of these substrates/unit work performed, should be an indicator of the health of the muscle. (1-C-11) palmitic acid has been shown to be useful as a myocardial imaging agent for positron tomography. The main limitations for the use of this substrate are the fast washout and translocation of the activity from the normal myocardium and the back diffusion in ischemia. Since alpha and omega oxidation are only present to a limited degree, branched chain fatty acids should have a prolonged residence time in the myocardium. The similarity in structure, chain length, solubility, and charge of the branched to the non-branched fatty acids should make these compounds behave in similar fashion in terms of their blood clearance and entry into tissues. 15 refs., 3 tabs. (ERA citation 13:007900)